093020 - Southern California Midweek Edition

September 30-October 2, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 77 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US signs P10.5B PH aid to boost economic growth A NEW five-year bilateral assistance agreement amounting to P10.5 billion ($213 million) has been signed by the United States and the Philippines to boost the country’s economic development and growth.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) signed the agreement to deepen their commitment to accelerate inclusive, broad-based economic growth through policies that increase investment and trade throughout the Philippines.

“This new USAID and Department of Finance bilateral agreement will expand our support to help the Philippines achieve long-term, private sector-led economic growth and strengthen economic governance. These programs will create jobs and help ensure more inclusive, broad-based economic development,” said USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II. New programs and activities will promote inclusive, market-driven growth;

Global coronavirus deaths pass 1 million

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE total number of lives claimed by the coronavirus pandemic has crossed 1 million as it continues to sweep across the globe.

The disease has claimed 1,003,791 victims out of 33,454,037 recorded global infections, according to data from Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center as of Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The United States has recorded the highest number of fatalities at 205,547. This toll is followed by

Brazil with 142,058; India with 96,318; Mexico with 76,603; and the United Kingdom with 42,161.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to distribute 150 million rapid COVID-19 tests. Of that number, 100 million tests will go to “states and territories to support efforts to reopen their economies and schools immediately and [as] fast as they can,” he said.

Meanwhile, the remaining 50 million tests will be allocated to “protect the most vulnerable communities,” which include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice care agencies, historically

THE new target date to conclude 2020 Census self-response and field data collection operations will be on Monday, October 5, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said on Monday, Sept. 28.

“The Secretary of Commerce has announced a target date of October 5, 2020 to conclude 2020 Census self-response and field data collection operations,” an update on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website said.

This comes despite U.S. District Judge Lucy H. Koh of the Northern District of California issuing a preliminary injunction on Thursday, Sept. 24 that said the Census Bureau must continue its outreach efforts through October 31 in order to have a more accurate count.

The deadline was slated to be Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Koh — agreeing with civil rights organizations and local governments like Los Angeles that filed a lawsuit against the Census

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MEGA QUARANTINE CENTER. (From left to right) Founding partner and principal architect Daniel Lichauco and Prime BMD CEO JV Emmanuel “Jocot” de Dios, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, National Defense Secretary and chairman of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Delfin Lorenzana, and National Action Plan Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon at the turnover of the Solaire Pagcor Mega Quarantine Center at the Entertainment City, New Seaside Road, Paranaque City on Tuesday, September 29. Also in the photo is (right) Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Emil Sadain.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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Census Bureau announces ‘target date’ of Oct. 5 to finish counting efforts despite court order

black colleges and universities, and tribal nation colleges.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, made its first known appearance in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, ground zero of the outbreak.

Wuhan was shut down in January, but by March, the virus had emerged in over 100 countries, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic.

WHO’s emergencies director Michael Ryan warned that COVID-19 fatalities could double to two

OKRA FOR EXPORT. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar (2nd from right), together with former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo (2nd from left) and young farmers Rap Pelayo (center), Jeffrey Fernandez (right), and Jeffrey Pelayo (left), shows the okra wrapped in plastic during the ceremonial send-off of the first batch of okra export to Japan at Pairpags Center, NAIA Road, Pasay City on Tuesday, September 29. Jel Farms leads the 300 young farmers from 14 towns in Tarlac City.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Pacquiao sets 2021 fight against former UFC champ Conor McGregor

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE Senator Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division boxing world champion, is set to fight former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor next year, his special assistant Jayke Joson confirmed over the weekend.

“For the sake of all the Filipino COVID-19 victims, Senator u PAGE A2 Manny Pacquiao will be fighting

by AJPRESS METRO Manila will stay under general community quarantine (GCQ) for the entire month of October.

This comes after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Monday, September 28.

Aside from the capital region, the province of Batangas, and the cities of Tacloban, Bacolod, Iligan, and Iloilo will also be placed under GCQ. Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur, including Marawi City, will remain under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine,” Duterte announced.

According to the country’s Department of Health, two new indicators were considered in determining the next round of community quarantine classifica-

UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year,” Jason said on Saturday, September 26.

“The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic,” Joson added.

McGregor also announced that he will be fighting Pacquiao.

“Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East,” the Irish mixed martial arts fighter said in Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao

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Metro Manila to remain under GCQ through October

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Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra Maria Ressa among critics set to launch new Facebook oversight board heads to NBA Finals for fifth time The half-Fil-Am coach is seeking his third NBA Championship, this time against the Los Angeles Lakers

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

EIGHT years after making history as the first Asian American head coach to win an NBA Championship, celebrated Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is heading to his fifth NBA Final, putting himself in position to earn his third championship ring.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, securing a spot in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, whom they will square up against on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra Spoelstra is only 49 years old, but his Photo courtesy of NBA

shrewd approach to coaching and ability to work well with players of all experience levels propel him to the league of fabled NBA coaches.

Since 1970, only three head coaches have had more Finals appearances than Spoelstra: Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich and Spoelstra’s predecessor Pat Riley.

Sports writer for GQ Michael Pina wrote in a recent article that “Spoelstra embodies that selflessly competitive ethos better than any other coach, in a league brimming with extremely capable strategists. In Miami, his personality is a tone-setter. And with that

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by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

A GROUP of Facebook critics announced that it is launching its very own oversight board to hold the social media giant accountable as well as appraise its moderation decisions and other policies.

The Real Facebook Oversight Board — composed of 25 academics, journalists and activists including veteran journalist and Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa — will rival the social media platform’s own board, which is still currently being formed.

“Facebook is a weapon. A private company, controlled by one Rappler CEO Maria Ressa

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Inquirer.net photo by NinÐo Jesus Orbeta

IP 1/16

A September 30-OctOber 2, 2020 • Socal ASIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page Census Bureau announces ‘target date’ of...

PAGE A1 Bureau and U.S. Department of Commerce — said that the current schedule would leave out many minority and hard-to-count communities that have yet to respond.

“An undercount in any locality matters greatly,” the judge wrote.

“Even a small undercount of a subset of the hard to count population would result in the loss of federal funding.”

The once-a-decade enumeration — which can be done by phone (844-330-2020 for English),

returning the mailed form, or heading online (my2020census. gov) — measures where individuals live as of April 1, 2020.

That includes young children and infants, roommates, and family members or friends staying at the household, even if temporarily.

In addition to English and Spanish, completing the census online or by phone can be done in 11 other languages, including Tagalog (844-478-2020).

The results guide how over $1.5 trillion in federal funding will be allocated to states annual-

ly for resources, such as schools, health programs, and infrastructure projects. The data also determines the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and the redrawing of legislative districts.

The national enumeration is at 97.9% of identified housing units, which includes 66.4% of self-responses and 31.5% responding after follow-up operations. Meanwhile, California’s self-response rate is 68.9% and 29.8% in nonresponse follow-up.

(Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

Maria Ressa among critics set to launch new...

PAGE A1 man, being used to undermine democracy. We urgently need to hold it to account. Before it’s too late,” said journalist Carole Cadwalladr in a tweet on Friday, September 25.

“Today we launch the Real Facebook Oversight Board @ FBoversight to try & do just that.

Join us,” she added.

The announcement came after Facebook said its own, quasi-independent oversight board, also composed of experts from civil rights and academia, will launch in October, right before the elections in the United States.

According to the Real Facebook Oversight Board, Facebook is taking too long to set up its panel and that its mandate is limited. It also pointed out that the 90 days potentially needed to

reach decisions isn’t fast enough to address the “urgent risks” that Facebook may present to the upcoming election.

“We’re not waiting for another election to go wrong. We believe accountability in real time is vital,” the board said in its website.

Aside from the Ressa, other experts included the board are: Shoshana Zuboff, author of “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism”; Rashad Robinson, president of the non-profit Color of Change; former Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves; Roger McNamee, former Facebook investor; and ex-CIA officer Yael Eisenstat, former head of election integrity operations for political ads at Facebook.

The Real Facebook Oversight Board will conduct its ses-

sions through Facebook Live on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET. Facebook, for its part, said the platform’s official panel took time to vet members, develop a process for submitting appeals, and create a secure technology for the members to use when discussing decisions.

“We ran a year-long global consultation to set up the Oversight Board as a long-lasting institution that will provide binding, independent oversight over some of our hardest content decisions. The members were selected for their deep experience in a diverse range of issues,” Facebook spokesperson Jeffrey Gelman said.

“This new effort is mostly longtime critics creating a new channel for existing criticisms,” he added. n

PLEA. An old man holds a sign begging for food and other needs of his grandchildren along Edsa corner Pasay Road in Pasay City on Tuesday, September 29. Meeting the basic needs of family members has been more difficult for indigents in Metro Manila, especially in this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Global coronavirus deaths pass...

PAGE A1

million without collective action against the virus.

“One million is a terrible number and we need to reflect on that before we start considering a second million,” Ryan told reporters on Friday, Sept. 25.

“Are we prepared collectively to do what it takes to avoid that

number?” he added. “If we don’t take those actions… yes, we will be looking at that number and sadly much higher.”

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said that how the world will address COVID-19 will define our future.

“I am honored to address you today on behalf of the Filipino people on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. The invisible enemy that is COVID-19 has brought about an unfamiliar global landscape and unleashed a crisis without precedent. It is the biggest test the world and

the United Nations faced since World War II,” he said Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Duterte encouraged each nation to put up a united front against the pandemic, saying that the world needs coordinated international plans and efforts to pursue a common purpose.

“COVID-19 knows no border.

It knows no nationality. It knows no race. It knows no gender.

It knows no age. It knows no creed,” he stressed.

The chief executive also said that when the world finds the vaccine, access to it must be available to all rich and poor nations alike. n

Pacquiao sets 2021 fight against former UFC champ...

PAGE A1 a tweet on Sept. 25.

Joson said negotiations between the two camps are being finalized.

“Regarding the news coming from McGregor himself, we don’t deny it. In fact, our lawyers are finalizing all the confidential details, but both fighters are getting ready for this one epic last boxing fight. According to Paradigm Sports Management head Audie Attar, the fight may happen in the Middle East next year,” he said.

He added, “It is confirmed the

negotiation between the camp of Senator Pacquiao and McGregor is now starting to move on. Again as what our senator says, all his fights are dedicated for the welfare and unity of all Filipinos including this one.”

Pacquiao, 41, is the only eightdivision world champion as well as the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history. He holds a record of 62 wins, seven losses, and two draws. He won against American boxer Keith Thurman, Jr. in July 2019, earning the WBA super welterweight title. n

Metro Manila to remain...

PAGE A1 tions: the “two-week growth rate” and the “daily attack rate.”

The two-week growth rate refers to the growth in the number of cases for the past two weeks, while daily attack rate is the number of cases over a certain period of time over a certain number of population.

Health Undersecretary. Ma. Rosario Vergeire pointed out that two new indicators are more sensitive because they show the true picture of the community and that the daily attack rate indicates the increase or decrease in cases in areas that are being monitored.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, chair of the country’s

National Task Force Against COVID-19, projects that Metro Manila could be downgraded into the less stringent modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) within a month.

“Actually, many LGUs (local government units) in Metro Manila want to downgrade to MGCQ. However, there are still those, I think about half, who would like to continue with GCQ so they could arrange their coronavirus disease 2019 prevention efforts so these could be sustained. I think one month more (won’t hurt us), it will help us a lot,” he said.

To date, there are 309,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with 5,448 fatalities and 252,930 recoveries. n

US signs P10.5B PH aid to boost...

PAGE A1 improve the business environment; expand economic opportunities through private-sector led innovation for medium and small businesses; and increase information and communications technology access for the digital economy that benefits both producers and consumers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

“Activities also include strengthening local civil society organizations to advance locally-led programming and policymaking in the Philippines and facilitating coalitions and partnerships between government and other stakeholders toward data-driven decision-making,” the embassy said.

“Additionally, USAID will continue to support Philippine government objectives by improving public sector transparency and accountability; advancing the rule of law and the justice system; and boosting local governments’ responsiveness to Filipinos’ needs,” it added.

This bilateral agreement with the DOF is one of the four new USAID programs with the Philippines launching in 2020, with an anticipated total value of P32.7 billion ($675 million) over

five years.

The other new agreements include: • Department of Health: To improve underserved Filipinos’ health by strengthening health systems while improving the quality of health services, especially in treating tuberculosis, providing access to those who seek family planning services, and community-based drug dependence treatment; • National Economic Development Authority: To protect ecosystems by promoting sustainable use of natural resources, enhance energy security, and build capacity to mitigate risks and respond to natural disasters; and • Department of Education: To improve early grade reading, expand science and mathematics curricula, and increase out-of-school youths’ access to education, professional, and technical skills development that will lead to new job opportunities, and strengthen education governance.

The U.S. has provided the Philippines nearly P228.8 billion ($4.5 billion) in total assistance over the past 20 years to advance the country’s development goals. (AJPress)

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Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 30-OCtObeR 2, 2020

A

Advisory: Air quality unhealthy in parts of LA County Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra heads...

Individuals are advised to stay indoors on Wednesday, September 30 as the air quality will be unhealthy in certain parts of Los Angeles County, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) forecast.

The air will be unhealthy for all groups in West and East San Gabriel Valley. Meanwhile, the quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups and individuals in Central Los Angeles County, Pomona/Walnut Valley, South San Gabriel Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains.

In areas with air quality unhealthy for all, Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Muntu Davis advises people living or working in these areas

to minimize outdoor activities, reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities. People who are sensitive to air pollution, such as older adults, children, and those with heart or lung disease, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better, and stay indoors as much as possible. Everyone should watch for symptoms.

In areas with air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups/individuals, people who are sensitive to air pollution, such as older adults, children, and those with heart or lung disease, are advised to reduce prolonged or

heavy exertion outdoors, keep activity outdoors short, and watch for symptoms. For everyone else, it’s ok to be active outside and watch for symptoms.

Air pollution can cause symptoms, even in people who are healthy. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and chest tightness or discomfort with activity or deep breaths.

If symptoms occur, these are signs to take it easier, stop all activity, go indoors, or use quickrelief medicines as prescribed.

If symptoms don’t improve, get medical help.

For current air quality maps and forecast, visit the AQMD website at www.aqmd.gov/ home/air-quality.

Philippine Consulate General in LA reminds Fil-Ams of procedures under ‘new normal’

by AJPress THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has reopened to handle certain services, but advises the public to follow its guidelines under the “new normal.”

The consulate — which covers approximately 1.3 million Filipinos in Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona — has been accepting in-person services by appointment only for passport renewal, notarization/ legalization of documents, dual citizenship, and Social Security System matters, according to Consul General Adelio Cruz.

“Right now, we do not accept walk-in applications because everything is done by appointment,” Cruz said during a recent “Tanong ni ConGen” livestream hosted by PH Consul General in San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr. Meanwhile, the consulate is accepting the following services by mail: civil registry, visa renewals, travel document, certified true copy of Philippine passport or dual citizenship certificate, and the renunciation of Philippine citizenship.

Those who go to the consulate’s physical office are required to follow certain guidelines such as: wearing a mask or face covering, coming with complete requirements for the particular service needed, not bringing non-essential companions to the appointment, bring own pen, bring cash

and exact change (credit card not accepted), and stay home if feeling sick.

The office’s main phone number during office hours is (213) 639-0980 but Cruz advises the public that lines may be busy given the influx of calls.

Emergency hotlines are (213) 268-9990 and (213) 269-7852, which are open 24/7. The assistance-to-nationals hotline is (213) 587-0758.

Cruz reminded Filipinos in the U.S. that only Filipino citizens or dual citizens are permitted to travel to the Philippines as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Only Filipinos and dual citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines, but if you are Filipino or dual citizen, you may bring your spouse or any [for-

eign] national, your minor child, or your parents,” he said, adding that they need to get a visa from the consulate and show proof of relationship.

Dual citizens must show the original certificate of dual citizenship or a certified copy of the documents in order to enter the country.

The consulate in LA said that as of Sept. 28, all appointment slots for dual citizenship and passport services have been filled up through the end of December.

Appointments for January 2021 and beyond will open up soon, according to the consulate.

Information on more guidelines and how to make an appointment can be found at the Consulate General’s website at www.philippineconsulatela.org. n

PAGE A1 comes respect at all levels in the organization and unilateral commitment by all to do their job, even as it evolves every day.”

LeBron James, Lakers team captain and former Heat player under Spoelstra, recently praised Spoelstra’s ability as a coach.

“It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t gotten his respect. Every time we talked about Spo when I was there and we talked about how great he prepared us, and we talked about how great it was playing for Spo and things of that nature, you guys always said, well, you have LeBron, you have D-Wade, you have Bosh; any coach can do it. No, any coach can’t do it. If any coach could do it, then there would be a lot more champions in this league. There would be a lot more successful coaches,” James said.

From video room to arena Spoelstra’s quick ascent from Miami Heat video coordinator to multichampionship-winning head coach is a true “started from the bottom, now we’re here” story.

He is the son of Elisa Celino — a Filipina immigrant origi-

nally from Laguna, Philippines — and former NBA executive Jon Spoelstra of the Portland Trailblazers, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets and the defunct Buffalo Braves.

After graduating in 1992 from the University of Portland where he was a starting point guard, Spoelstra enjoyed a short career as a player-assistant coach for a German basketball club called TuS Herten.

It was in Germany with this basketball club that Spoelstra’s illustrious coaching career began, coaching the club’s local youth team. In 1995, Spoelstra accepted an offer from the Miami Heat for which he would be the video coordinator.

Eventually, Spoelstra was promoted to assistant coach, handling scouting. In 2006, he won his first NBA Championship as assistant coach when the Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals that year.

Then, finally, in 2008 — 13 years after he was first hired as a video coordinator — Spoelstra became the head coach for the Miami Heat at the behest of Riley, who stepped down. Not only

was Spoelstra the first Asian American head coach of the NBA, he also became the first ever Asian American head coach for the four major sports leagues in North America.

“This game is now about younger coaches who are technologically skilled, innovative and bring fresh new ideas. That’s what we feel we are getting with Erik Spoelstra. He’s a man that was born to coach,” Riley said in 2008.

It was a decision that ushered in a new, prolific era for the organization. Under Spoelstra, the team became a regular fixture of the post-season, winning backto-back champion titles in 2012 and 2013 during the “Big Three” era when the team was carried by a powerhouse trio of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James.

In a 2011 ESPN interview, Spoelstra’s “work ethic, preparation and temperament” are cited as the core of his coaching acumen. Often labeled a “players’ coach” Spoelstra’s ability to cultivate trust and unity among his rosters is one of the key tePAGE A4

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Dateline PhiliPPines

New Vatican ambassador to PH named

by Tina

G. SanToS Inquirer.net

MANILA—Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Charles John Brown as the new Apostolic Nuncio, or the Vatican’s ambassador, to the Philippines.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP

vice president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said Brown’s appointment was made public in Rome on Monday, September 28.

From 1994, he was an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith in the Vatican.

Consecrated archbishop on

Jan. 6, 2012, Brown was appointed apostolic nuncio to Ireland on Nov. 26, 2011 and to Albania on March 9, 2017.

Brown succeeds former papal nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who is now the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York. n

Drug war deaths in August higher than before lockdowns — HRW

by CaThrine

GonzaleS Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — The drug war deaths last August were 76% higher than the average of deaths recorded before community quarantines were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RUSH HOUR. Commuters wearing face masks and face shields wait at a bus stop along Commonwealth Avenue in Fairview, Quezon City on according to the Human Rights Monday, September 28. Passengers usually have a hard time getting a ride to work during rush hour in all bus stops, especially along the Watch (HRW). stretch of EDSA. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler Citing data from the government’s Real Numbers PH, Phil Robertson, deputy director of HRW Asia Division, noted that there are 46 drug war deaths reported in August, higher than the It was Mr. Duterte who forced immediately available. Cayetaby DJ Yap Inquirer.net no’s camp did not respond to re- the two rivals to come to the quests for confirmation or com- original deal in July 2019, shortly MANILA – Marinduque Rep. ment. before Cayetano began his term.

Lord Allan Velasco will take over The resolution ended days of “Tapos na po ang [laban] (the as Speaker of the House of Rep- fight is over). #1521,” Ron Mun- rumors and speculations about resentatives on Oct. 14, follow- sayac, executive director and the speakership. ing President Duterte’s interven- public information office chair of But whether the Tuesday tion in the simmering feud, the Velasco’s Partido Demokratiko agreement would be followed

by BernaDeTTe TaMaYo Inquirer learned on Tuesday, Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP- remains to be seen, as manifesManilaTimes.net September 29.

Laban), wrote on Twitter, using tos from various political blocs The President met with Velas- a boxing glove emoji. had been issued in recent days, SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on co and incumbent Speaker Alan Cayetano belongs to the Nacio- calling for Cayetano’s retention Tuesday, September 29, said Peter Cayetano at Malacanang nalista Party and has, in recent as Speaker amid the pandemic. with their respective backers to days, sought to consolidate his Still, the meeting has settled instead of resigning, President settle, once and for all, the two alliances in the coalition, includ- the question of the President’s Rodrigo Duterte only needs to men’s simmering feud over the ing with National Unity Party, thoughts on the speakership is- be consistent in applying the anti-graft and corruption laws to leadership of the 300-member Lakas-CMD, and allied party-list sue. chamber.

In a meeting with House and “both” friends and foes. groups.

The senator made the remark Multiple sources confirmed Velasco, on the other hand, Senate leaders in Malacañang to the Inquirer that the par- fought to secure the backing on Sept. 16, the President left an in reaction to the President’s ties reached an agreement, in of people close to Mr. Duterte. enigmatic comment, “Kawawa pronouncement Monday night the presence of the President, He and his wife Rowena Velas- naman si Lord (pitiful Lord),” that he had offered to resign due to honor their original “15-21” co are close to the President’s which had drawn varying inter- to his frustration on rampant corruption in government. term-sharing deal, in which Cay- daughter, Davao City Mayor pretations from the two camps.

“Strong words and warnings etano would serve as Speaker Sara Duterte.

Tension has filled the House for the first 15 months of the A source earlier told the In- since hostilities between Cay- may work, but only when backed 18th Congress with Velasco tak- quirer that the younger Duterte etano and Velasco erupted last by political will and followed by ing over for the remaining 21 would be in the Malacanang week over the supposed parti- concrete actions. There is no months. meeting to support Velasco’s san and inequitable distribution better way,” Lacson said in a text The turnover will take place on cause. “No comment,” the of public works allocations to message.

Reacting on the same issue, Oct. 14, one of the House insid- mayor replied when reached for districts and regions in the proSenate President Vicente Sotto ers said. No other details were comment. posed 2021 budget. n

Velasco to take over as Speaker on Oct. 14

average of 26 deaths from December 2019 to March 2020.

From April to July, the average number of drug war deaths is posed at 39. Community quarantines have been imposed in the country since mid-March.

The new data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s monitoring system show that “the situation is getting worse,” Robertson said in a statement Monday night.

“Drug war operations are typically carried out in urban areas in major cities, targeting impoverished communities that are

facing the dual increased risk from the anti-drug campaign and the pandemic,” he said.

“During the lockdown, these communities have been hemmed in by police and local governments, with residents largely confined to their homes.

They become sitting ducks for anti-drug raids by the police and their agents,” he added.

Latest data from PDEA showed there are a total of 5,856 drug suspects killed and 256,788 arrested in 176,777 anti-drug operations from July 2016 to August 2020. n

Duterte advised: Don’t resign but apply anti-graft laws to ‘friends, foes’ 3rd said, “Dapat ‘yun mga corrupt sa gobyerno makaisip nuon, hindi s’ya (It must be the corrupt in government who should have thought about that, not him).”

“He (Duterte) was elected by the country, he cannot turn his back on the specified task by the Filipinos. I don’t think he means it,” Sotto added.

Lacson added, “As for his offer to appear before a congressional hearing, that may not be necessary. In fact, the Senate is already proposing in a bill to give him Bayanihan-like powers to address red tape in government.”

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel on Tuesday conducted the first virtual public hearing on the proposed Senate Bill 1844 which grants the President the power to expedite the process-

ing and issuance of national and local permits and licenses to revive the economy affected by the pandemic.

SB 1844 was jointly filed by Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Sotto, Zubiri, and Lacson.

The senators noted that in the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Report, the Philippines jumped 29 notches, ranking 95th from 124th in 2019.

They noted that the Philippines got an Ease of Doing Business score of 62.8 in the 2020 report, an improvement over its grade in the previous year of 57.68.

Based on the report, the Philippines improved on three areas: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and protecting minority investors. n

Locsin, Huang meet to talk about PH-China ‘strategic cooperation’

by ChriSTia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMoS

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and China’s top diplomat in the Philippines met Tuesday, September 29 to discuss “strategic cooperation” between Manila and Beijing.

Locsin met with Chinese Am-

bassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in celebration of the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which both fall on October 1.

“The Secretary and Ambassador exchanged views on ChinaPhilippines relations, strategic

cooperation,” the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a short statement.

Issues of common concern were also discussed during their meeting, according to the embassy.

The meeting was held in Huang’s official residence in Makati City. n

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. meets with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to celebrate China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Photos courtesy of the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra heads...

PAGE A3 nets to his finesse but tenacious approach to coaching.

“There’s an integrity to my intentions,” Spoelstra said in 2011.

“I probably look at this more simplistic than you want. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a former player or you come up through the video room, whether you come from college. You have to earn that trust from NBA players every day. It doesn’t stop unless, of course, you win 10 rings. But even at that point, you have to prove that there’s competency, there’s a work ethic, there’s a plan, there’s an organization to your thoughts. Then, at some point, they believe you can help them achieve what they want to achieve.”

Higher stakes The 2020 NBA Finals — which

are usually held in June but have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic — promise huge milestones no matter which team wins.

For the Lakers, it is more than just winning its 17th NBA Championship for the historic team. The organization lost the beloved legend Kobe Bryant earlier this year, marking a painful benchmark to an already unusual season.

Throughout the season, the team has made it clear that the Black Mamba is its spiritual emblem, attempting to continue his legacy and rectify the tragic death that included Bryant’s prodigal daughter Gianna.

James spoke about honoring Bryant at the post-game press conference after the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets in the West-

ern Conference Finals on Saturday, Sept. 26.

“Every time you put on the purple and gold, you think about his legacy and what he meant to this franchise for 20-plus years,” the Lakers captain remarked.

“That drive to always want to be victorious, it stops you from sleeping,” James said, referencing Bryant’s signature Mamba Mentality. “You sacrifice a lot of things, you sacrifice your family at times because you’re so driven to be so great that other things fall by the wayside at times. I understand that. I’m one of the few that can understand the mindset that he played.”

Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat will air on ABC on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. PST. n

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A

PH economy seen to contract by more than 6% in 2020

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

THE World Bank on Tuesday, September 29, downgraded its 2020 Philippine economic growth forecast to -6.9 percent from -1.9 percent which it said would slow down the country’s progress in poverty reduction over the past years.

In its “From Containment to Recovery – the World Bank’s October 2020 Economic Update

for East Asia and the Pacific” report, the World Bank said the economy is projected to recover and grow by 5.3 percent in 2021 and 5.6 percent in 2022.

“Economic growth averaged 6.6 percent from 2015 to 2019, resulting from prudent macrofiscal management, significant investments in infrastructure and human capital, and favorable external conditions. Consequently, robust growth in household incomes reduced

the national poverty rate from 23.5 percent in 2015 to 16.7 percent in 2018,” said the World Bank.

“The Covid-19 shock is now abruptly pushing the economy into recession and threatening these economic and social gains. The pandemic has triggered declines in remittances sent by Filipino overseas workers and job losses caused by strict containment measures,” it added. n

Duterte eyes revamp or abolition of PhilHealth over corruption issues

by ALexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte wants the embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) abolished or revamped, saying reforms cannot be implemented if officials who are already entrenched in the system remain in their posts.

Duterte said he is considering imposing a “single line of authority” in the state-run insurer, which allegedly lost billions in funds due to fraudulent activities.

“But I will try to begin tomorrow shaking the tree in PhilHealth,” the president said during a meeting of the government’s pandemic task force last Monday in Malacañang.

“With regard to PhilHealth, I am going to propose to Congress to abolish...If you privatize it, my God, there is no money. Who will provide your insurance? Don’t tell me capitalists will provide the insurance. Will we pay for it? You do not have funds,” he added.

Duterte said the lack of funds is the reason that the government is selling its real estate properties in Japan.

“We have to raise money.

Wala nang pambayad ‘yang sa PhilHealth na ‘yan kung...

Kaya walang ibang remedy diyan (There is no money for PhilHealth...there is no other remedy). It must be a surgical move,” he said.

Among the anomalies tied to

PhilHealth are the padding of hospital claims to the health insurer, the procurement of allegedly overpriced information technology equipment and test kits, and the unauthorized disbursement of funds to hospitals that have not yet reported COVID-19 cases.

A justice department-led task force recently recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former and incumbent PhilHealth officials over their supposed violations of the revised penal code, the antigraft law, and the tax code.

Duterte cited the need to change PhilHealth’s structure, claiming the present system no longer works.

“Create a new agency out of that — out of the ruins of that old one... We can’t allow people who are already entrenched to remain. Nothing will happen. Either I’m going to revamp, consider everybody resigned there and if there’s the structure, we can slowly... disband...I mean as simple as it could ever be. That’s what I mean,” he said.

‘You can do it in three days’ Duterte said the discretion of officials on the papers being processed should be limited to prevent corruption.

“I told Congress to limit it. Three days, three days, three days, that’s enough. I’m sure… Otherwise, you guys are not doing your work. I mean three days if you really put your heart into it and work

hard, you can finish the job,” he said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque noted that Duterte has given PhilHealth president Dante Gierran until the end of the year to cleanse the staterun insurer of corruption.

“If it cannot be done by December, a new law is needed to abolish it and to replace it with a new one,” Roque said at a press briefing.

“The problem with PhilHealth is the problem is so systemic, they have to remove a lot of people, their influence is so pervasive so the president is thinking maybe it would be better to abolish it and start from scratch,” he added.

Roque said PhilHealth personnel who are not involved in anomalies need not worry because the President knows who should be dismissed from the service.

“Expect dismissals, massive dismissals in PhilHealth,” the Palace spokesman said in Filipino.

Roque assured the public that the giving of medical assistance would continue even if the state-run insurer is abolished. He said the law scrapping PhilHealth would contain transitory provisions to ensure that key operations would be performed pending the creation of a new body.

“So nothing will change, only the faces. Corruption would be removed if it is abolished and a new organization...is created,” Roque added. n

OPENING SOON. A janitor mops the floor inside the terminal lobby of Araneta City Bus Port (ACBP), Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday, September 29. The Department of Transportation said the first provincial bus to travel to ACBP is from San Fernando, Pampanga, one of the 12 modified provincial bus routes opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 3 and 4-A on Wednesday, September 30.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

SWS: 85% of Filipinos still worried about getting COVID-19

by CAtherine

s. VALente ManilaTimes.net

MAJORITY of Filipinos are still worried about catching the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS survey).

The mobile phone poll, conducted from September 17 to 20 among 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide, found that 85 percent of respondents – consisting of 63 percent who described themselves to be “worried a great deal” and 22 percent who were “somewhat worried”– fretted that anyone in their immediate family might get infected.

On the other hand, 9 percent of Filipinos are “worried a little” while 6 percent of Filipinos say they are “not worried” that anyone in their family might catch the virus.

“This is similar to July 2020 when 85 percent were worried (67 percent worried a great deal, 18 percent somewhat worried), 8 percent were worried a little, and 7 percent were not worried about catching the virus,” SWS said.

“Compared to past SWS surveys, worry about catching COVID-19 is greater than worries about catching previous viruses such as Ebola, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),” it added.

Balance Luzon recorded the highest number of those worried

of catching the virus at 87 percent, while Visayas got 84 percent.

Metro Manila tallied 83 percent of people who are worried and Mindanao is at 80 percent.

SWS said worry about catching the virus declined in Metro Manila, from 92 percent in both May and July 2020, to 83 percent in September 2020.

It stayed at 87 percent in Balance Luzon from July 2020 to September 2020, similar to the 85 percent in May 2020.

It hardly changed in the Visayas, barely moving from 85 percent in July 2020 to 84 percent in September 2020. It used to be 91 percent in May 2020.

However, it rose slightly in Mindanao, up from 77 percent in July 2020 to 80 percent in September 2020. It was at 85 percent in May 2020.

Compared to July 2020, SWS said worry about catching the COVID-19 fell slightly among women, down from 87 percent to 84 percent.

“However, it rose slightly among men, up from 83 percent to 85 percent,” the polling firm said.

By age group, the survey rose slightly among the 18-24-yearolds, from 88 percent to 90 percent, among the 25-34-year-olds, from 85 percent to 88 percent, and among the 45-54-year-olds, from 83 percent to 85 percent.

It fell slightly among the 35-44-

year-olds, from 88 percent to 85 percent, and those 55 years old and above, from 81 percent to 78 percent.

Worry about catching the COVID-19 was also highest among junior high school graduates (88 percent), followed by college graduates (83 percent), elementary graduates (78 percent), and non-elementary graduates (77 percent).

“Compared to July 2020, worry about catching COVID-19 rose slightly among junior high school graduates, from 86 percent to 88 percent,” SWS said.

“However, it fell slightly among college graduates, from 89 percent to 83 percent, among elementary graduates, from 80 percent to 78 percent, and among non-elementary graduates, from 79 percent to 77 percent.

The SWS survey, conducted using mobile phone and computerassisted telephone interview, had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±6 percent for Metro Manila, ±5 percent for Balance Luzon, ±6 percent for the Visayas, and ±6 percent for Mindanao.

To date, the country now has 307,288 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 49,242 active infections.

Some 5,381 individuals died and 252,665 persons recovered from the virus. n

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A6 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

OPiniOn

Reviving tourism

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

FeatURes

WORLD Tourism Day on Sept. 27 passed largely unnoticed this year, as the travel industry continued to reel from the impact of measures to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. COVID-19 restrictions have battered international tourism, which dropped 22 percent in the first quarter and is projected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to plummet to 60 to 80 percent over the whole year.

Among the hardest hit are the rural communities whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on tourism. The UNWTO has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development, which is also the theme of this year’s 40th anniversary of World Tourism Day. The UN estimates that 80 percent of people living in extreme poverty worldwide are in rural communities. The rural areas are also home to most of the 1.8 billion young people worldwide, according to the UN. But the lack of opportunities in rural areas is fueling urban migration among the youth, which is aggravating rural underdevelopment.

By 2050, the UN projects up to 68 percent of the world population to be living in urban areas.

Tourism provides meaningful jobs and livelihoods even in remote areas, and promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This gives urgency to the revival of the tourism and travel industry. Even with efforts limited to domestic tourism, however, the pandemic is posing challenges.

Boracay offers a look into those challenges. The world-class destination beckons once again, as the government relaxes quarantine travel restrictions. But even with discounts of up to 70 percent in accommodations, the requirements of the pandemic normal can leave only the most diehard traveler from outside Western Visayas determined to visit Boracay.

A negative result on a swab test is the first hurdle. At P4,000 to P12,000 – not covered by medical insurance for those who are not sick or showing any symptoms – that’s a hefty initial investment for a few days of vacation.

Then there’s the pandemic-induced fear of flying that must be overcome – especially on the smaller planes that typically service the Manila-Caticlan route. Upon returning to Manila, there are offices that require employees who travel by plane to go on home quarantine for 14 days.

People who are straining to escape over six

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

months of COVID confinement may consider such inconveniences a small price to pay to enjoy the pristine beach and waters of Boracay. The tourism industry, devastated by the killer pandemic,

is counting on such attitudes to revive the sector.

With public health protocols in place and strictly observed, it is possible to speed up the revival of tourism. (Philstar.com)

Hard facts about the abortion issue: Let us work together to save lives when we cast our vote in November

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ABORTION is perhaps the most contentious issue in America, a paradox given the fact that people, in general, value life and have been given by our Creator the instincts and the intelligence to protect life. Then why has this issue divided us when we uphold the same value for life?

We all believe that life is sacred from the womb to tomb. This is one of the values that unify us Filipinos in America, especially because of the fact that we were born and raised Christians, Catholics to be more precise.

While we may be sharing the same values and aspirations, the two-party political system of the United States, grounded mostly on ideology, puts us in a box.

Many of us have to choose between the two major parties, while relatively fewer remain to choose to be independent or to be of no party affiliation.

But for most Americans, it is a choice between liberal or conservative principles, between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, even when for many of us, it is not as black and white as how we feel about the issues.

Some of us may be leaning “Blue” (Democrat) when it comes to safety nets and social services like health and education, but lean “Red” (Republican) in matters of taxes and national security, for example.

As we discern on how to vote and who to vote for in November,

may I respectfully ask for your kind indulgence and let us all remove our partisan hats so we can have common working knowledge about the background of the law on abortion in the United States, and how we can all work together to achieve what we share in common — to save lives.

Amid the more restrictive sexual mores of the 1800s, abortion was actually common, the History Channel reported. According to at least one estimate, one in every five women at the time had had an abortion.

In the late 1850s, however, the newly established American Medical Association (AMA) began lobbying for the criminalization of abortion, which according to the History Channel was “partly in an effort to eliminate doctors’ competitors such as midwives and homeopaths.”

In 1869, the Catholic Church changed its law and banned abortion at any stage of pregnancy. In 1873, the U.S. Congress passed the Comstock Act, which made it illegal to distribute contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs through the U.S. mail. By the 1880s, abortion was outlawed across most of the country.

The 1960s, however, saw the rise of the women’s rights movement. Court cases involving the use of contraceptives laid the groundwork for Roe v. Wade. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law in 1965 banning the distribution of birth control to married couples, ruling that the law violated their implied right to pri-

vacy under the U.S. Constitution.

And in 1972, the Supreme Court struck down a law prohibiting the distribution of contraceptives to unmarried adults.

Roe v. Wade Despite the law criminalizing abortion, some women resorted to illegal, dangerous, “back-alley” abortions or self-induced abortions. According to the History Channel, “in the 1950s and 1960s, the estimated number of illegal abortions in the United States ranged from 200,000 to 1.2 million per year, according to the Guttmacher Institute.”

After trying unsuccessfully to get an illegal abortion, Norma McCorvey was referred to Texas attorneys Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington, who were interested in challenging anti-abortion laws.

In court documents, McCorvey became known as “Jane Roe.” According to the History Channel, the attorneys filed a lawsuit in 1970, on behalf of McCorvey and all the other women “who were or might become pregnant and want to consider all options,” against Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, where McCorvey lived.

Roe won over Wade. The Supreme Court struck down the Texas law that criminalizes abortion, taking after the jurisprudence of the legalization of the use of contraceptives, protected by the right to privacy of the 14th Amendment.

In its decision, the History Channel said “the court divided pregnancy into three trimesters,

and declared that the choice to end a pregnancy in the first trimester was solely up to the woman. In the second trimester, the government could regulate abortion, although not ban it, in order to protect the mother’s health.”

“In the third trimester, the state could prohibit abortion to protect a fetus that could survive on its own outside the womb, except when a woman’s health was in danger,” the report added.

Since Roe v. Wade, many states have imposed restrictions that weaken abortion rights, and Americans remain divided over support for a woman’s right to choose an abortion.

Yet, despite these stricter restrictions and clinics being closed, women continued having abortions, with some women fatally performing abortions on themselves.

Republicans made anti-abortion their battle cry, accusing Democrats of being “baby killers” because they support abortion.

Why some women chose to have an abortion Democrats contend that nobody is being forced to abort their babies — it is the personal choice of a woman what to do with her body and arguing that women have grave reasons to get one like rape, incest, threats to her life, being in an abusive relationship, unwanted pregnancy complicated by poverty, and a lack of information on her choices.

Qualitative studies conducted by the Guttmacher Institute revealed that women who had had

an abortion as typically feeling that they had no other choice, given their limited resources and existing responsibilities to others.

The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told senators during her confirmation hearing when asked about abortion: “Abortion prohibition by the State controls women and denies them full autonomy and full equality with men.”

“The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When Government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices,” she added.

This right of the woman to make a decision for herself and for her own body, therefore, is in congruence with the promise of America as envisioned by our founding fathers — that in America, all people are created equal, and should therefore be treated equally and be granted with equal protection of the law.

But the decriminalization of abortion did not force, mandate, nor push women to “kill” their own babies. Women took this very seriously and would not resort to abortion unless they are in despair. This is a right to choose based on their personal circumstances.

Conversely, imposing strict abortion measures has not prevented or stopped women from

getting an abortion, on the other hand, they would even compel them to turn to self-induced abortion.

Sharp decline in the abortion rate Guttmacher Institute reports: “Between 1990 and 2008, the abortion rate declined an average of 2% per year, but between 2008 and 2011, it dropped 13%.

Fewer women had abortions in 2011 than in 2008 because fewer women became pregnant when they did not want to: Over this period, the proportion of pregnancies that were unintended declined from 51% to 45%, and the rate of unintended pregnancy dropped 18%, from 54 to 45 per 1,000 women.”

The updated study found that the U.S. abortion rate continued to drop to 13.5 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 in 2017, the lowest rate recorded since abortion was legalized in 1973 and an 8% decline from 2014.

“Birthrates declined in almost all states during this period, indicating that fewer people became pregnant, not that more individuals chose or were made to give birth rather than have an abortion,” the study said.

Guttmacher Institute reports: ”With abortion rates falling in almost all states, our study did not find evidence that the national decline in abortions during this period was the result of new state abortion restrictions. We also found no evidence that the decline was linked to a drop in

u PAGE A7

This Census is different, but very important

Commentary DITAS KATAGUE Director, California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office

2020 has certainly been extraordinary, and what many are calling an unprecedented time.

We’ve been hit with a worldwide pandemic, stopping the normal routine of our lives, in addition to facing social unrest due to racism and injustice.

On top of that, our state has been hit with catastrophic wildfires right here in the west.

Plus, there’s an upcoming election in November.

This is my third decennial Census where I’ve led California’s Census efforts to reach the hardest-to-count communities, historically lower responding areas and vulnerable populations. All the challenges mentioned above have added to the difficulty of ensuring a complete and accurate count.

The U.S. Census Bureau has had to operate differently – they’ve changed their operations multiple times and are not working how they have done in the past. Federal workers are part of our community – they are being asked to do more with less resources and with a shorter timeframe.

The Census Headquarters has been asked to compress their well-researched and tested work plan for completing and delivering an accurate count. And possibly cancelling or eliminating key quality assurance operations.

This is abnormal – it’s materially different than the previous two counts in 2010 and 2000. I wish I had more confidence in the Census Bureau’s field data collection operations and data processing that would ensure an accurate count.

In California, we have invested $187.2 million toward a data-intensive, innovative

outreach and communications campaign to motivate households to respond to the Census.

So far, we’ve accomplished a number of things – with the help of our stakeholders and partners. We amassed a coalition of over 150 local, regional and statewide partners that served as our trusted messengers and created a social movement infrastructure. They have done great work to ensure Californians self-respond to the Census and although likely exhausted by this extended Census journey, will continue to work with communities to ensure they are civically engaged.

By identifying what the Census is and explaining its tangible benefits, we’ve been able to motivate more than 2 million households in harder-to-count areas to respond, with a total of 10.4 million households self-responding statewide.

This year has also been reflective for me personally, I think about the future that I want to leave behind. There are mixed emotions – thinking about my daughter’s future, while recognizing the struggles my family faced in the past. My daughter just moved abroad to finish her remaining two years in high school and my mom passed away in August.

As I have gone through my mother’s things, I’ve realized that my current work on the Census is about honoring the past and shaping our future, bringing my daughter, and possibly her future children, closer to our roots. Completing the census, being counted is not just for us, but for future generations. It is a gift we give to them now. It’s invaluable.

She can go back in time to see officially where her “Lola” settled in the United States when they came over from the Philippines. She can see how

our family moved from Chicago to Kansas City, to Modesto, Pinole, Washington, DC and now, finally settling in Sacramento.

My family set roots in the United States – like so many others have – to provide for their future generations.

And as families participate in the Census, we are all helping form the kind of community we deserve, with the local resources that are rightfully ours.

The 2020 Census is our chance to deliver opportunity and justice to our communities – more streetlights, sidewalks, health services, nutritional programs, educational resources, affordable housing and reliable public transportation and so much more.

By taking the 9-question survey, we can set forth a roadmap for the future of our families, communities and our state.

There are three easy ways to fill out the form:

• Online at my2020census. gov • By phone at 844-330-2020 (a list of in-language options is available here) • By mail if you received a paper form You may see a Census worker in your neighborhood since they are following up with households that have yet to respond. If you have any questions or would like some help, they are there for you.

I recommend you answer the Census online or over the phone – this is the best way to ensure your answers are accurate. Plus, you can fill it out in the comfort of your own home.

This year is different – it’s been a surprise to us all, but don’t forget to take your Census. It will make a difference in the long term for your family and community and in recognizing and celebrating your past. ■

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 30-OCtObeR 2, 2020

A

POEA: Pandemic slowed deployment of workers ‘PNP won’t be affected if US pulls out aid’ The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said the delay in the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Because of Covid-19, employers in many countries closed shop and sent home their Filipino workers. Most countries are still not accepting foreign nationals.

At home, travel is restricted and government offices, including the POEA, stopped operation for a while because of the declared community quarantine,” the agency said.

It issued the statement in reaction to the complaint of some recruitment groups that the processing of documents had slowed down.

The POEA said the slowdown was not deliberate.

“Most of the licensed recruit-

ment and manning agencies remained closed until now.

Overseas job applicants were stranded either in Metro Manila or in the provinces that their documentation process was discontinued. But the POEA has never reverted to manual processing,” it said.

“On the contrary, the POEA remains one of the few government offices that easily transitioned into contactless online services during the pandemic,” the agency added.

It explained that what is being complained is the “standard procedure” on the evaluation and validation of employment contracts for household service workers, low skilled female workers and truck drivers for the Middle East, and overseas performing artists.

“This requirement is the gov-

ernment’s measure to protect these types of workers who are classified as vulnerable,” the POEA said.

“During the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), alternative work arrangements were put in place, and going by the limited number of employees to be physically present each working day, the POEA can only absorb what it can safely deliver to its clients,” it said.

The agency added that the Anti-Red Tape Authority conducted an online consultation with the POEA, the Department of Labor and Employment and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to discuss the streamlining of the process of deployment, including the “delay in accreditation of manpower agencies” that some recruitment agencies complained about. (ManilaTimes.net)

Ombudsman denies protecting anyone

by Reina

C. TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires denied protecting anyone with the issuance of a circular restricting public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) that are filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Wala akong prinoprotektahan dahil hindi pa pangulo si Digong iyon na ‘yung opinyon ko e (I am not protecting anybody, that has been my opinion before Digong became president),” Martires said, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Memorandum Circular 1, series of 2020, requires that a letter of authority from the concerned public officials must accompany requests for SALNs and Disclosures of Business Interests and Financial Connections filed before the Ombudsman.

Martires said last week that in his experience, SALNs are being misused in attacking an individual’s reputation or character.

The ombudsman said the memorandum “does not apply to other SALN repositories,” such as the Office of the President, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Secretary of the House of Representatives, among others.”

Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” requires government officials and employees

Ombudsman Samuel Martires

— except those serving in an honorary capacity, laborers and casual or temporary workers — to submit to the Office of the Ombudsman their assets and liabilities statement and those of their spouses and unmarried children aged under 18 living in their households.

Martires said in a phone interview on Monday that the Office of the Ombudsman wants RA 3019, RA 1379 and RA 6713 harmonized with Executive Order 2, series of 2016 to prevent the use of SALNs as an instrument of extortion.

He said he welcomes criticism if it comes with suggestions on

ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

how to prevent the misuse of SALNs. “Ngayon, kung sa pananaw nila ako’y may mga pinagtatakpang tao, kausapin nila si Presidente tawagan ako, ‘Mr. Ombudsman pwede ba mag-resign ka na?’ (If they think I’m protecting someone, they should call the President who will be the one to tell me if I must resign). Or they should talk to their friends in Congress. If half of the congressmen will demand for my resignation, I will resign.

If half of the senators will ask for my resignation, I will resign without batting an eyelash,” Martires said. n

following the introduction of a bill before the U.S. Congress by Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild MANILA — The Philippine Na- that sought the suspension of US tional Police would not be affected support to Philippine military and if a U.S. Congress bill seeking to police forces. withdraw assistance to Philippine “For as long as the PNP has security forces becomes a law, the support of President Duterte, PNP chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan that’s what we’re in. U.S. assissaid on Monday, September 28. tance termination is nothing. For While the U.S. extends as- as long as the President supports sistance to the PNP through the PNP, we are very, very hapsponsored education, training, py,” Cascolan said. conferences and joint exercises, “If they pull out their support Cascolan said the national police from us, in no way will it affect is unfazed by the proposed ter- the PNP. As long as we have the mination of the Western power’s support of President Duterte, we security aid. will be doing our job and the moHe said what is important for rale of the PNP is still very high,” the PNP is the support of Presi- he added. dent Duterte.

The PNP chief, who earlier deCascolan made the statement nied the existence of extrajudiby neil Jayson

seRvallos Philstar.com

cial killings in relation to the drug war, admitted that there were police officers who violated human rights and breached laws.

Cascolan said policemen involved in illegal activities have been charged in court.

He has rejected the call of the United Nations human rights chief for the Philippine government to scrap policies in the campaign against drugs that allegedly led to killings and human rights violations.

Government estimates showed that a total of 5,810 drug suspects have been killed in 178,348 anti-narcotics operations since 2016.

Some local and international rights groups, however, said the numbers could be higher. n

Hard facts about the abortion issue: Let us...

PAGE A6 the number of abortion providers during this period,” says Rachel Jones, lead author of the study.

“Rather, the decline in abortions coincided with a steep national drop in overall pregnancy and birth rates. Contraceptive use improved during this period, as more women and couples were using highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, such as the IUD. Moreover, the recent recession led many women and couples to want to avoid or delay pregnancy and childbearing.”

With the available evidence, it is impossible to pinpoint exactly which factors drove recent declines, and to what degree.

However, previous Guttmacher analyses have documented that abortion restrictions, while incredibly harmful at an individual level, were not the main driver of national declines in the abortion rate in the 2008–20115 or 2011–20146 time periods.

Much the same appears to hold true for the 2011–2017 timeframe, as detailed below. Rather, the decline in abortions appears to be part of a broader decline in pregnancies, as evidenced by fewer births over the same period.

Decisions in the 2020 elections: How can we work together to save lives?

Given the hard facts about abortion, I hope we realize that criminalizing abortion and crucifying women in despair did not help as much to lower abortion rates to save lives.

What has helped to lower the abortion rate is empowering wom-

en with knowledge and sciencebased information so they will realize that they have the choice not to choose abortion, despite their limited resources and existing responsibilities to others.

We can do this by helping them with empathy instead of judgment, compassion instead of condemnation, love instead of hate.

As parents, we can continue instilling in our children the value of life through our own examples, not just for the unborn, but for all people, especially the marginalized sectors of our society, regardless of age, race, social and economic status.

We can also help our teachers and health officials in being open with our children that aside from restraining ourselves from our sexual energies and desires, which God created us with during our teens through our childbearing years, we also have safe contraceptive measures available to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

We can help lead those who have already been pregnant but cannot give their babies a decent life realize that they have the choice and the support system to continue on with the pregnancy and that loving families are waiting to nurture and raise their baby.

We can also fight for a more equitable society so that each person will be given equal rights and opportunities to be relieved from poverty — health care, education, living wages — and move up the economic ladder and be productive members of society, instead of abusing them so that the rich-

est of the rich can rake in more millions and billions with their insatiable greed.

IF you are supporting Trump because of this singular issue of abortion and exonerate him for all his transgressions against the Constitution, the American people, his lies and his assault against the decency and unity of our nation, then please discern and pray more for God’s guidance and light.

Many Republican leaders have already announced that they will not support Trump’s re-election bid because the loyalty of every American should be for the country and not for the party, and especially not for a man like Donald Trump.

Many of them have also endorsed Joe Biden for president.

Do not think you have no choice but to vote for Trump because you want to save lives from the womb to tomb. Donald Trump does not really share that value; he only tells you what you want to hear to get your vote.

Instead, let us follow God’s example of inclusive, compassionate love to heal our neighbors and the world to help save more lives and souls as we cast our sacred vote this November. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community.

You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

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Why Mia Mercado’s ‘Weird But Normal’ is the funny read we need

M

by

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

EET Mia Mercado, a Filipina American millennial humorist who launched “Weird But Normal,� her debut collection of essays last May.

The essays focus on various subjects, from gender roles, sexuality and beauty standards to racial identity, privilege and work dynamics.

In the book, Mercado shares her insights about issues, some absurd, some beautiful and some mundane.

Armed with her sharp humor and wit, “Weird But Normal� brings the

laughter and hilarity, and we sure need some of those these days.

Mercado deftly maneuvers her way around humor, identity, culture and the intersections between them and comes up with gems.

Some parts are a little intimate and personal as the author delved into her memories as a young girl going through her teens (along with the corresponding bad/good decisions), and now adulting (with issues on racism, relationships and capitalism). It’s like watching an unfiltered livestream of a reality show where the protagonist wears her heart on her sleeve as she shares some painfully embarrassing moments in her life so far.

Some of the essays look hilarious, judging by the titles alone: “The Holy Sacrament of Birth Control,� “I Am the Girl From Your Tampon Commercials,� “Can I Still be a Good Girl While

Still Getting F*cked Up?,� “All the Things I Thought Sex Was� and “White Friend Confessional.�

Born to a Filipino dad and a white mom, Mercado grew up in what she describes as “very suburban Christian Midwest� (read: Glendale, a small city outside Milwaukee in Wisconsin). She took up creative writing at the University of Wisconsin, the same university where her parents met.

She has been asked “where she’s from� many, many times that she felt she had to make some jokes out of it so it wouldn’t overburden her thoughts. As a young girl, she didn’t realize what it meant then but now that she’s an adult, she says she’s “all too familiar with this line of questioning.� “‘What ethnicity are you?’ is something I’ve been asked so frequently my answer is not only well rehearsed, it comes equipped with a brief lesson in Filipino history and the etymology of my last name. I’m working on a choreographed musical number called ‘Spain Colonized the Philippines and

All I Got Was a SpanishsoundMia documented the day she received copies of ing Last her book on her Instagram account Name @mia.market. and a Whole Lot of Catholicism.’�

Mercado writes.

There’s a part in the book where she introduces Rachel Ambiguity (see what she did there?), where she talks about how being half-white afforded her “white-adjacent privilege,� and says that while her mixed-race informs every part of her life and experience, it is not the focus.

Mercado’s essays have been published in outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Washington Posts’ The Lily, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Bustle, McSweeney’s, Gizmodo, The Hairpin, among others. For a time, she also worked as a greeting-card writer and editor at Hallmark.

In an interview with Mia Mercado, seen here with her dog Ava, blends personal stories and humor to explore the comContinued on Page 2 pletely absurd, and yet completely regular experience of being a millenial. Photos by Chase Castor

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Local Filipina-Chinese artist creates mural using 100 donated cereal boxes CHIldHOOd memories enjoying cereal for breakfast served as the inspiration for reaching out to Cat Chiu Phillips, an artist known for reclaiming discarded items and making them into works of beauty. Add in a national retailer, Walmart, that has wall space at its supercenter in Rosemead, California, and Phillips had the perfect canvas to surprise the associates and customers of the store.

But the story doesn’t end here.

Phillips, who saw some of her projects fade away due to the coronarvirus pandemic, searched for opportunities to engage in meaningful work.

When IW Group, an intercultural agency based in los Angeles, called to brainstorm an idea, she was all in. IW Group team members wanted take a product that brought them joy as kids and find a way to pass on those joyful childhood memories to others. The family-friendly folklore of Chang’e, the Goddess of the Moon, offered a perfect opportunity to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival—beginning on Oct. 1—and create a work of beauty.

“When I heard about this project to reimagine how to use discarded Kellogg’s cereal boxes and make a mural that would adorn a wall at Walmart, I was thrilled,” said Phillips, whose work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other major art organizations. “If I can bring a little cheer to the world and show people that they can create beauty from things they often take for granted, my work has purpose.”

Phillips, who is Filipina American but ethnically Chinese, agreed to use the cereal boxes to recreate an image of Chang’e, a central figure

Cat Chiu Phillips’ mural using 100 donated cereal boxes at Walmart in Rosemead, California

for the Mid-Autumn Moon season. Chang’e symbolizes love, family gatherings, and a time to share stories with those you care about. Adds Phillips, “I brought my daughter with me to Walmart because I wanted to share this a part of my heritage with her and the community. life is art and art is an integral part of our lives. It has the power to connect us in so many critical ways.”

The cereal contained within the repurposed boxes was enthusiastically collected and donated to local food banks and shelters by Rescuing leftover Cuisine, another organization impacted by COVId-19.

“I was thrilled to hear about the donation of cereal to our organization,” said Robert lee, co- founder and CEO of Rescuing leftover Cuisine. “With a rise in those in

need, having the opportunity to donate cereal for families and kids is wonderful. We are grateful to have the support during this difficult time.”

Walmart Rosemead associates played an active role from beginning to end, labeling the cereal’s content, packing the used boxes for shipment, and bringing the donated cereal packages to a volunteer from Rescuing leftover Cuisine.

“At Walmart, being part of the communities we serve is important to our customers and our associates,” said Roz Silva, director of digital Advocacy. “We are so proud of our associates for their support and are pleased to be able to play a role in uplifting the communities we serve.”

The mural will be on display at Walmart Rosemead for one month.

Empress shocked by wedding proposal at daughter’s birthday party

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Empress Schuck got engaged during the celebration of her daughter’s fifth birthday.

In her Instagram account, Empress posted photos of the birthday celebration including the proposal of her longtime partner Vino Guingona.

“And so this day has become even more special..

Its not just Athalia’s birthday anymore but also a new celebration of God’s intention,” Empress wrote.

“Thank you @vinoguingona for doing it on her birthday Empress Schuck with fiance Vino Guingona and daughter Athalia Photo from Instagram/@itsempressita Continued on Page 3

Why Mia Mercado’s ‘Weird...

From Page 1 the Asian Journal, Mercado shares how this book of essays came about.

Asian Journal (AJ): What was the reason behind the book?

MM: It’s something that seemed like a pipe dream or something I’d need to wait years to be even remotely qualified to do until I had enough people with enough publishing power saying I could do it. There are self-aggrandizing and self-sacrificial and romantic reasons why I wanted to write a book, but ultimately, I wrote the book for, I’m guessing, the same reason anyone writes a book: I had an idea and enough people said “yes” to it.

AJ: What was the writing process like for you, did you follow a certain structure or did you write about what you wanted to write when inspiration struck?

MM: If you asked any writer if they’d ever want to write a book, they’d be like, “Yes, duh, of course.” If you told them to start writing it, they’d be like, “Oh, you meant, like, now?”

It was a lot of sitting in coffee shops, thinking about writing, and then maybe writing a couple sentences. I need a lot of thinking time/brainstorming time/looking at Twitter time before I write something. When I would write, I’d try to write a couple of the satirical/conceptual humor pieces between the personal essays just to give my brain an emotional break.

AJ: How did you end up with the title? Were there other alternate titles you thought about?

MM: I have a list of potential names in a Google doc

that are all bad and confusing and trying very hard. My main criteria for a title, aside from something that pertained to the book, was that it had to be something I wouldn’t be embarrassed about in five years.

AJ: What was a normal day like for you (before COVID-19)?

MM: My day-to-day hasn’t changed too much since coronavirus lockdowns and self-quarantining. The main difference is I now just work from my bed or my couch instead of at coffeeshops. On a typical day, if I have a specific assignment, I start with that. The rest of my day is a combination of checking email, thinking about writing, and maybe writing a couple sentences. I repeat that until it’s an acceptable time to start thinking about dinner.

AJ: In a nutshell, how do you describe your journey so far?

MM: I started as a greeting card editor, had the briefest stint an ad agency, freelanced for whoever would have me, and now I’m almost exclusively writing things I want to be writing (as opposed to writing what I had to because [of] money). It’s a rare and cool thing to be able to do the thing I’m passionate about as my job. Mostly, I’m trying not to take that for granted.

AJ: What was your biggest learning in coming up with this book? Was it how you imagined it to be?

MM: My biggest takeaway is to try to work with people who are as excited about the thing I’m excited about both when it comes to writing a book and also…every other aspect of a creative project.

I still only understand a small

fraction of what goes into publishing a book—the “writing the book” part is neither the beginning nor the end of that process—but having people around me who know their shit and are excited about what I’m doing (or are at least very convincingly fake excited) is what helped make it all fun and fulfilling.

AJ: What’s next for you?

MM: Hopefully, book two.

I’d also love to write for TV. If those don’t pan out, I’ll figure out how to scam my way onto the next season of Love Island.

AJ: When was the last time you visited the Philippines?

MM: I’ve only visited the Philippines once, twenty years ago when I was in fourth grade. My dad Basil grew up in Makati.

AJ: What’s the most important lesson your father has taught you?

MM: If you want to do something, there is probably a YouTube tutorial for it. My dad had taught himself how to do everything from chang[ing] his oil to install[ing] a dishwasher to repair a shower. Sometimes I forget how to open the hood of my car.

AJ: How old were you when you realized you wanted to write? Did you have other childhood ambitions?

MM: When I was five or six, I would tell my parents I wanted to be a typewriter because I thought that a writer had to use a pen and paper and I was like, “Hmm no I will be using a machine for my word making.” At other points growing up, I also wanted to be a vet, a teacher, and a singer/actor/ dancer/model. I should have stuck with typewriter.

Carmi recalls ‘honeymoon with God’ as COVID-19 survivor

By Jan

MIlo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Carmi Martin revealed that she won her fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a lengthy Facebook post, Carmi said she was supposed to do a digital series under Star Cinema so she took a swab test, but it turned out that she was infected with COVID-19.

“Last September13, I went to Philippine Red Cross for a swab test that was a requirement for a digital series under Starcinema, then the following day got the result that I was Positive of COVID 19,” Carmi narrated.

“I really felt bad because I have no symptoms except for my BP shoot up, and also for not able to do the project since I was so prepared and really was so excited to do it.”

Carmi said her two-week quarantine was a “honeymoon with God” as she spent it with prayers.

“The 2 week quarantine became A HONEYMOON WITH GOD. I spent each day with prayers and praying for others , singing beautiful songs for our Lord and listening to excellent preachings each day,” she said.

“Having a Positive attitude, exercising and eating healthy food specially prepared by @ gourmadebychefroblau made

aBunda Philstar.com

Carmi Martin

me recover well.”

She thanked all the people who supported her during her fight against COVID-19.

“I am also very thankful for all the people who supported me during this hard times. Thanking my family for being there for me, Sister Coney Reyes, Pastor Paolo Punzalan and Victory church family, Tita Lourdes B. Ramos and my IDBS family, my friends like Gladys Reyes, Minnie Aguilar , Choly Cabanban, Cousin Cory, Mayan & Mark Santos, Sister Chona, Mama & Abebes...and ofcourse....

Makati LGU headed by Barangay Magallanes Chairman

By Ian

BIong Inquirer.net

Photo from Instagram/@misscarmi_

Jomar Alzona, CESU, Doctors and staff of Makati Frienship Suites Facility, headed by Dra. Happy Dra. Car, Nurse Summer, Nurse Zoren, Nurse Cha Cha,” she said.

“And to ABSCBN Medical team who really took great care of me during this time.

Panginoong Diyos Salamat sa pagkakataon na mas lalo akong manalig sa iyo at maging blessing sa ibang tao na may mga pinagdadaang sa panahon ng Covid. My 2 week quarantine was so precious because spending time with GOD will always be the BEST! PRAISE GOD for I am now Covid free!”

Billy Crawford Photo from Instagram/@billycrawford

celebrity contestants, who face one another in a singing competition while wearing costumes and masks, hiding their identity to both judges and the audience.

Crawford’s wife, Coleen Garcia, meanwhile, sent her well-wishes to her partner through the post’s comments section, saying, “Congraaats my love [heart emoji] Always proud of you.”

Fellow celebrities and friends likewise wished Crawford good luck in his new job. For one, KC Montero commented that Crawford is “gonna be busy!”

“Good luck kuys,” fellow host and friend Vhong Navarro, meanwhile, said.

“Congrats bro!!! Mamimiss kita… yung mga tawanan natin… naglalaro paa natin sa ilalim ng mesa…. pasulyap sulyap na tingin… nag bubblebath tayo na walang bula… bigote sa batok ko hihihihi mwah,” Luis Manzano jested.

Crawford and Garcia earlier this month welcomed their first child, Amari. They tied the knot in April 2018.

Despite franchise woes, Regine says she has no regrets transferring to ABS-CBN

By Jan

MIlo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Regine Velasquez revealed that she has no regrets in transferring to ABS-CBN although the network’s franchise was not renewed.

In a live video #LiveWithG3, the “Asia’s Songbird” said it was her decision to go back to the Kapamilya network to experience new things.

“Not at all. Kapag nga tinatanong ako, ‘do you regret it?’ I don’t. I will never regret anything,” Regine said.

“It was my decision to go back to ABS, because I wanted to experience something else, something new. I wanted to work with the people that I used to work with before but was not able to anymore because of the whole GMA-ABS thing. I just wanted to experience that,” she added.

Regine said that she experienced what she wanted to experience before the pandemic happened.

‘ASAP’ every single week. Like in one show, I would sometimes have three numbers.

So, that’s a lot. And I was so looking forward to performing every Sunday,” she said.

It was October 2018 when she transferred from GMA 7 to the surprise of her fans.

“When I came back to ABS-CBN, I was given ‘ASAP.’ I became part of this whole family na in the beginning I thought I would have a hard time but then they just welcomed me with open arms.

Everybody just welcomed me and I had a wonderful time,” she said.

Though ABS-CBN has Regine Velasquez turned fully digital, Regine Photo from Instagram/@reginevalcasid said she is still having a wonderful time with the network.

“Before the pandemic, “I am still having a wonI was able to experience it derful time even though naman, eh. Ang dami kong wala na kami sa free TV. But nagawa before, hindi na nga whenever we see each other nabigay ‘yung renewal ng and kapag magte-taping kami ABS, marami naman akong nagawa. Also, in a way parang or magla-live kami, we are just so happy to be back on stage nabuhayan ako ulit kasi, first and to be able to sing to each of all, I was singing, parang na-maximize ulit ang pagiging other. It’s a wonderful feelsinger ko because I was doing ing,” she said.

Rhian gives body shamers a dirty finger

By Jan

MIlo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO actress Rhian Ramos slammed her bashers calling her ugly and disgusting.

In her September 24 video blog entry titled “Breakups, Decisions, and Your Assumptions” on her YouTube channel, Rhian raised her middle finger to her critics.

“To those of you who left comments for me just to tell me how ugly and disgusting

T h e As ian Jou r n al MDWK MAGAZ IN E - S e pte mbe r 3 0 , 2 0 2 0

By Boy

Billy to host local adaptation of ‘The Masked Singer’ BILLY Crawford is set to host the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean show “King of Mask Singer,” which has also been adapted in Europe and the United States as “The Masked Singer.”

The renowned host will start his new gig this October via TV5, as announced by the network and Crawford himself on their respective social media pages.

“Get ready, cause here we go! October 24 7:00pm See you all soon!” Crawford posted on Instagram.

The Philippine adaptation has been aptly titled “Masked Singer Pilipinas.” Aga Muhlach, Kim Molina, Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes have been tapped as its judges.

The international music game show features several

entertainment Jasmine adapts to working on set under ‘new normal’

I am, shame on you guys,” Rhian said as reaction to rude comments such as “laspag,” “mukhang adik,” “skinny scary” and “anorexia.”

In the same vlog, she opened up about her love problem that made her forget to take care of herself.

“I went through a break up, and it was so hard. ... I had a really hard time guys,” Rhian said, talking about her Israeli ex-boyfriend Amit Borsok.

“And not just ‘cause I’m

brokenhearted and like shattered but... other things in my life were giving me a lot of stress,” she added.

Rhian admitted that she was so down, she wanted to have a social media break for a long time, bit she went online again because she had some commitments to fulfill.

“Now looking back, I really could have taken better care of myself. I was in so much pain and under so much stress. And I wasn’t getting Continued on Page 5

THE COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed, and will continue to change, the way we live work, rest and bond with the loved ones.

Adapting to the “new normal” is difficult but everyone, including Jasmine Curtis-Smith, has no choice but to make adjustments, especially when it comes to the work environment where many people are involved.

What made it most difficult for Jasmine was the interaction with everyone on the set becomes very minimal.

“The time na pwede kang tumambay with certain people while setting up (the area) is not possible anymore because you need to be more aware that movement is limited. You just have to stay in your area and to keep your space,” said Jasmine who diligently followed the safety protocols during the taping of Love on the Balcony, one of the four TV mini-series of GMA 7’s I Can See You. She continued, “Before, we just can randomly hang out on the set while on break but now you need to be more mindful now. So more than the acting or the importance of putting on a mask, it’s really the camaraderie that is dwindling.”

The actress also admitted about going through some challenges with her business until this day. But she has

Jasmine Curtis-Smith (with Alden Richards) portrays nurse Lea in Love on the Balcony, one of the four weekly mini-series of GMA 7’s “I Can See You.” GMA photo

learned to carry on.

“It’s a small music management business and with what we’ve been experiencing now, I think I discovered how patient I can be with myself. With all the time we have now, you get to realize how important it is to get yourself the chance to breathe — to take in what’s in front of you day by day. With so many things happening around us and we absorb these things even if we are not ready, we have to carry on. That’s why it is important to give yourself a chance to breathe at konting pasensya dahil kakayanin mo pa naman ng isang araw pa, bukas. That’s my self-discovery.”

Although we are all still in the darkness of a pandemic, love is still in the air as what the message of Love on the Balcony would like to send to all the Filipino viewers. Jasmine portrays Lea, a nurse and the

love interest of Alden Richard’s character Gio. Their romantic scenes remain yet Jasmine made clear that they still followed the safety protocols.

“It depends on the actors and the production (team) because upon all the protocols I read, it really depends on the actors what to do with the scene as long as they are comfortable and they all do the swab tests. Basically, the book is open for us to decide, and as to the level of comfort.”

Speaking of romantic scenes, Jasmine revealed that the craziest, sweetest thing she did for love: “Maglipat ng bahay.”

Asked what does she find hard to understand in a guy, she replied, “Nothing because if you don’t take the time to understand something, (it means) you didn’t put effort into him.”

Empress shocked by wedding...

From Page 2 and in this special home witnessed by my whole family.

Wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you to my siblings for helping vino arrange this, to my parents’ blessing, to @ niceprintphoto kahit nasabihan lang few minutes before.

Thank you for being there since my baby shower. You still captured this moment beautifully.”

Empress also said that the new chapter of their lives is on the right path with God on their side.

“A new chapter begins for me.. And I know by walking with God together, we are on the right path.. The goal of our relationship is to honor him and do things what’s right in his eyes and that’s what we’re going to do real soon…” she said.

It was 2016 when she and Vino welcomed their daughter Athalia.

“Happy Birthday my baby girl Athalia!!! I’m so happy that you appreciate this! I know I’ve been telling you no party, no decorations, no gifts. I’m sorry but I just really wanted to surprise you and your reaction is so priceless! It’s all worth it,” Empress greeted her daughter.

community T h e A s ian Jour nal MDW K M A G A Z I NE - Sept ember 3 0 , 2 0 2 0

Can bankruptcy help you survive the COVID-19 recession?

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BUlAon THERE have been increasing talks recently about making needed changes under the Bankruptcy Code to protect families and business owners who are suffering during this pandemic. While the government has made limited efforts to alleviate the hardship experienced by millions of people with the recent stimulus payments, loan forbearances, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other relief measures, they are still insufficient to help families and business affected by the virus to attain meaningful financial recovery.

Thanks to our California legislators. Last week, Governor Newsom signed AB-1885 into law which significantly increased the homestead exemption amounts which had been outdated for quite some time. The homestead exemption laws allow you to protect equity in your primary residence from creditors. Before the law passed, the lowest amount was $75,000 for a single person and the highest amount was only $175,000 for homeowners aged 65 and older or disabled. Under the new law which goes into effect January 1, 2021, it will be anywhere from $300,000 - $600,000. What this means for you is that if you have been previously precluded from filing bankruptcy for fear of losing your home by having too much equity in your home, the higher homestead exemption amounts may now allow you to be able to file bankruptcy without worrying about losing what could be your most valuable asset.

Without being able to obtain debt relief through bankruptcy, many who have lost their jobs, or their busi-

EMPLOYMENT

nesses, can forever be buried in debt that they cannot repay. In the end, America loses out because people who are insolvent will not be returning soon to earning, spending, and investing- which is what our country needs to recover.

So, without the remedies allowed by our bankruptcy laws, the whole country suffers eventually. Tens of millions of people have lost their jobs while companies, big and small, have closed their doors. This cannot continue if we want our economy to start moving again.

I get calls from people asking me whether they should cash out their retirement plans, 401K’s and IRA’s, to pay their debts while “waiting to see what happens” in the next few months. While in some cases there are valid reasons to wait before filing bankruptcy, I personally think it’s crazy to use your IRA or 401(k) if bankruptcy will wipe out your debts anyway. Why? Because IRA’s and 401(k)’s are fully exempt in bankruptcy and are beyond the reach of creditors. If you can file bankruptcy to wipe out your debts, why take your hard-earned life savings to pay your debts at this time especially when you don’t even know how your financial hardship will last in these uncertain times? If anything, you should keep your retirement plan intact because that might be the only thing you have left if you’ve exhausted and depleted all other savings up to this point.

Another question that has also come up lately is whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage to cash out and pay creditors. Well, if you are filing Chapter 7, all your unsecured debt (with a few exceptions like student loans and taxes as examples) goes away. With the now generous homestead amounts available under the new law, equity in your residence is most likely not going to be an issue anymore if you file bank-

ruptcy. So, why increase your mortgage debt unnecessarily especially if you’ve already been paying for so many years? Do you really want to start over with a 30-year mortgage again and spend all those closings costs? From experience, I’ve seen many homeowners cash out their equity only to regret it later after the money is all gone, and the debts are back up again where they were before the refinancing. It happens all the time.

Almost 100% of my bankruptcy cases are “no asset” cases, which means that my clients lose nothing but their debts. If the pandemic is pushing you to file bankruptcy as a last option, you SHOULD definitely look into it as a possible way to survive this pandemic. I know that this is probably the last thing that you ever want to do and if you’ve never done it before, you’ve probably never thought that you would even be in this situation to actually consider it.

The purpose of bankruptcy is to help you when you can no longer help yourself. The current pandemic has been a nationwide disaster that you have no control over, and it may take some time before our economy goes back to normal. Bankruptcy can give you that lifeline that you need to survive during this very difficult time. Again, you should at least know what your legal options are. *** NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused

by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (THIS is the third and final installment of the 15 Tips on How ny Build A House of Bricks in Any Season Series.)

11. Pray without ceasing to the God of your being.

Realize that when you do, you will never be alone. The single, most important foundation of any life begins with the realization that by yourself alone, without help, you can do nothing of real meaning and lasting value. No obstacle is too big, no situation too difficult, or setback too overwhelming that cannot be helped by constant, heartfelt prayer and a foundation of faith so strong, it can move mountains. In the physical world, gravity holds everything together. In the spiritual world, where transitional human life is ultimately headed, prayer is the most powerful force there is.

12. Bring it all together.

Once your circumstances be-

How to build a house of bricks in any season (Part 3 of 3)

“I build my house of stone.

I build my house of bricks.

I’ve had no chance to sing and dance.

‘Cause work and play don’t mix.”

—Practical Pig come stable and you are able to choose the type of work you love to do and more importantly, that which makes you happy — GO FOR IT. The shift will be uncomfortable and unnerving at first. Seek the path that makes use of the abilities and the talents that you were born with. Listen to what your whole being says you were meant to do and enter that rare, enviable state of being that finally feels like coming home.

13. Rein in the spirit of the crab. Put a number of live

crabs in a basket and witness how crabs behave. Any crab successful enough to rise above the heads of the other crabs to escape the confines of the basket will be pulled down by the pincer claws of the other crabs underfoot. The crab mentality is nothing more than envy in disguise— alive and well in human nature. Lest you think the Severe Acute Crab Syndrome (SACS) — a name I coined for this social phenomenon — is endemic or Continued on Page 5

When is my prenuptial agreement not enforceable?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes MANY people are of the perception that simply downloading a prenuptial agreement from the internet and signing it with their fiance offers them a bullet proof protection from a divorce. What many people do not know is that certain statutory requirements must be met in order for the prenuptial agreement to be valid and to withstand attack in court by your future spouse’s lawyer.

Family Code Section 1615 provides that a prenuptial agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom enforcement is sought proves either of the following (1) that party did not execute the agreement

voluntarily or (2) The agreement was unconscionable when it was executed and, before execution of the agreement, all of the following applied to that party:(A) That party was not provided a fair, reasonable, and full disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party. (B) That party did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided.(C) That party did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.

The issue of unconscionability shall be decided by the court as a matter of law.

A prenuptial agreement shall be deemed not executed voluntarily unless the court finds in writing or on the record all of the following: (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by

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independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed. (2) One of the following:(A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the Continued on Page 5

Rhian gives body shamers a dirty...

From Page 3 out of my bed,” she said.

“I wasn’t sleeping right. I couldn’t eat. Nothing tasted like anything. I was under so much stress that my body just basically started eating itself.”

But, thanks to a support group that included regular Bible studies, Rhian is now on her way to a better lifestyle and health.

The actress has been posting more and more photos and videos of herself exercising and eating healthy.

community

T h e As ian Jou r n al MDWK MAGAZ IN E - S e pte mbe r 3 0 , 2 0 2 0

Liza, Enrique fly to US to be with actress’s ailing grandmother

By Niña

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

Rhian Ramos

CELEBRITY couple Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil have jetted off to the United States to be with the actress’s grandPhoto from Instagram/@whianwamos mother and her family.

Soberano’s manager Ogie Diaz revealed that they left for the U.S. on Friday, Sept. 25, as per Inquirer Bandera on Monday, September 28.

In the end, if you are in full Diaz said the actress was control of all your faculties as raised by her maternal grandan average human being, you mother and is close to her. and you alone define your own She wanted to fly immediately life with the set of gifts, talents when she learned her Grandma and the circumstances that Wanda was sick.

GOD gives you.

He said Soberano requestRemember what someone ed not to have shoots this year wise wrote so succinctly long so that she can be with her famago about the essence of ily in the States. any worthwhile life and that “Kung walang pagbabago is — TO LIVE WELL, LAUGH alam ko until November sila OFTEN AND more importantly, roon, kaya si Liza sa 2021 na LOVE MUCH! magsu-shoot ng movie nila ni May the house of bricks Quen,” Diaz said. you build allow you to do ALL (If there are no changes, THAT and perhaps, even for they will be there until Novemthe most sensible and square ber, which is why Liza will shoot among us, even sing and her movie with Quen in 2021.) dance, when all is said and He assured that the “Alone/ done.

Together” actress still has work *** to do, particularly for endorseNota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is ments on her social media SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To pages. send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ Incidentally, Gil mourned

How to build a house of bricks...

From Page 4 unique only to a specific community, take heart, for we’re not alone. Other immigrant communities report the same thing. To counteract this, try and be happy for others (even if it kills you).

14. Strive to learn any way you can. Learning is a lifelong process of adaptation. To copy Yoda’s transposed way of making a point, “Adapt, you must.

Or die early, you will.” The dodo bird of the Galapagos never learned to adapt, never learned to defend itself against predators and became extinct.

It’s been said that the human mind is like a cup with a hole at the bottom. You just have to keep trying to fill that bottomless cup. But be warned: intelligence alone is sorely inadequate. The whole person’s mind and heart must

evolve.

Of the two, the heart should lead. A good heart has a wisdom all its own. Blaise Pascal, a noted French philosopher noted: “The heart has its reasons that reason does not know.” Draw from the strength of one’s native culture and weave it into the new one. The hybrid is often better suited to the new environment. Yet, we must never lose sight of the fact that in the end, all learning means nothing if we never learn how to love.

15. See the BIG PICTURE. Between birth and death is life.

How you live your life is up to you. Many of the wisest men who have pondered the meaning and the purpose of life over thousands of years, have defined life according to their own perceptions and circumstances.

When is my...

From Page 4 final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel.

(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information. (4) The prenuptial agreement was not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.

Having both you and your fiance represented by separate counsel during the drafting and execution of your prenuptial

agreement can help avoid any of the problems noted above which will can result to your prenuptial agreement being found to be invalid by the court during your divorce proceeding and your assets divided according to California community property law. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.

This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration.

He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

the loss of one of his grandmothers on Saturday, Sept. 26 via Instagram. Soberano too paid tribute to her, stating on Instagram Stories, “I will always take care of Quen like I prom-

Photo from Instagram/@enriquegil17

ised you.”

Being in the U.S. also means Soberano gets a brief rest after filing a case against a social media user who made rape remarks against her.

T h e A s ian Jour nal M D W K M A G A Z I NE - Septembe r 3 0 , 2 0 2 0

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